21 Sep 2017

Deputy Ombudsman, Mr William Moncho says nurturing   good governance is an integral part of the office of the Ombudsman agenda or mandate.

Sensitising residents of Makunda and Charleshill about their mandate on Monday and Tuesday, Mr Moncho said their role was to investigate maladministration in government institutions and parastatals.

He said that for good governance and democracy to prevail, an independent body such as the Ombudsman was necessary to observe if public institutions conduct public affairs accordingly, in transparent and accountable manner to eliminate issues of maladministration and consequently eliminate injustice.  

He stated that negligence, delay, disregarding complaints’ rights and neglecting to inform a complaint on request of his or her entitlements, failure to comply with set policies, were some issues that fall within maladministration.

Deputy Ombudsman informed the residents that any member of the society could lodge a complaint against public office or department with Ombudsman free of charge and Ombudsman would impartially investigate issues that deserves investigation and within their jurisdictions.

 “Our clients are not only non-public servants but public employees are also our customers,” he stated and added that refusing to sign ‘UFS’ (under first signature) also qualifies to be maladministration.  

He said public employees should lodge complaint against their employer   after exhausting all internal channels  .

Ombudsman, he said will make recommendations for change or redress after completing an investigation to the relevant department.
If no action is taken, he said they would make a report to parliament.

Also, he said Ombudsman could initiate an investigation without anybody making an official complaint, if they believe the issue is important and would benefit the community.

Issues that fall outside jurisdiction of Ombudsman include international relations issues, criminal cases and cases before courts of law or that have been decided by court of law.Ends